Citadel of Besançon

To make a day of it

Citadelle de Besançon stands in Besançon (Doubs), in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, second half of the 17th century, first quarter of the 18th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Rising above Besançon on Mont Saint-Étienne, the citadel occupies a rocky spur that closes off the loop formed by the Doubs river around the old town. Vauban directed its construction from 1668 onward, on a site already fortified in Roman times, making it one of the most accomplished strongholds of his defensive network. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside other Vauban fortifications, it now houses three museums devoted to the Resistance, local history and natural sciences. Visitors come both for the military architecture and for the view over the town below.

Written from Citadel of Besançon

What to know

• The site covers eleven hectares on elevated ground, with a steep layout that involves walking uphill.
• Three museums with the official French museum label occupy the citadel's buildings.
• Food facilities and a shop are available on site.
• The monument is a listed historic monument and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Not verified

Not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility or visual impairment for the « Citadelle secrète » guided tour; a sensory tour « La Citadelle du bout des doigts » is offered for visitors with disabilities (blind, visually impaired, intellectually impaired)

Where this château is

Besançon · Doubs · Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Besançon, Doubs

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00101466

Period of construction

16th century, second half of the 17th century, first quarter of the 18th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

Coming up at this château

• Thu, June 28

  Les Apéros insolites de la Citadelle

  Doubs

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the citadel of Besançon?

Its construction was directed by Vauban from 1668, following earlier work carried out under Spanish administration.

Why is the citadel of Besançon well known?

It is regarded as one of Vauban's major achievements and is part of twelve Vauban fortifications listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

What can be seen inside the citadel?

It houses three museums, the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, the Comtois Museum, and the Muséum with its zoo, aquarium and insectarium.

Is visiting the citadel physically demanding?

The site sits on a rocky spur with significant changes in elevation, so some walking effort is needed to move between areas.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q1329976
• Mérimée PA00101466
• Official website

Within an hour’s drive

• Palais Granvelle, actuellement muséeBesançon · Doubs
• Château de la Juive (Juive Castle)Chalezeule · Doubs
• Château de Montfaucon (Montfaucon Castle)Montfaucon · Doubs
• Château d'Arguel (Arguel Castle)Fontain · Doubs
• Château Galland (Galland Castle)Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · Doubs
• Château d'École (École Castle)École-Valentin · Doubs

The most visited in this department — Doubs

• Palais Granvelle, actuellement muséeBesançon · Doubs
• Fort Saint-AntoineSaint-Antoine · Doubs
• Castle of BelvoirBelvoir · Doubs
• Château de Montby (Montby Castle)Gondenans-Montby · Doubs

From the same period — 16e siècle

• Château de Sully (Sully Castle)Sully · Saône-et-Loire
• Château de Tanlay (Tanlay Castle)Tanlay · Yonne
• Château de Montby (Montby Castle)Gondenans-Montby · Doubs
• Château de la Velle (Velle Castle)Meursault · Côte-d'Or